First, try to be something, anything, else.
-- Narration (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: This is the first sentence of the story. At the beginning of the narrative, Francie aspires to be many different things, but she eventually gives up on these aspirations and takes an interest in writing. This pattern defines her life over the entire course of the story, as she often attempts to develop other interests and skills, but writing ultimately takes a place of primacy in her life.

She is tough and practical. She has a son in Vietnam and a husband who may be having an affair. She believes in wearing brown because it hides spots.
-- Narration (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: This line of narration refers to Francie's mother and to the other two members of Francie's family, her father and brother. This sentence establishes various sources of tension that arise from Francie's family. Her mother implicitly views writing and literature as frivolous, Francie's parents' marriage eventually...